When providing psychoeducational lessons about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I often illustrate the relationship between logic and reason through use of syllogisms—a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and minor premise, and a conclusion.
For context, that which is considered rational is based on or in accordance with both logic and reason. Here, logic is a particular mode of reasoning viewed as either valid or faulty. As well, reason is merely a statement offered in explanation or justification (i.e., the logic follows).
Furthermore, stating that “logic follows” means that a syllogistic conclusion is reached based on a set of premises which are connected through reasoning that is sound—free from error, fallacy, or misapprehension, as a view about what is or isn’t sound may vary from the views of others.
Commonly, sound logic implies that the conclusion is a necessary outcome of the given information that adheres to the rules of logic. Essentially, suggesting that logic follows is an indication that if the premises are true, then the conclusion empirically must also be true.
However, if logic doesn’t adhere to syllogistic form, then it’s said not to follow. This is a notable consideration when teaching the tenets of REBT and how beliefs are formed, how they function, and the ways in which they influence cognitive, emotive, sensational, and behavioral outcomes.
Regarding the rule of syllogism, there are three parts involved which relate to a conditional arguments, categorical propositions, or disjunctive proposals. Forming this connective stance is a hypothesis—an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument.
In particular, the hypothesis is the conditional statement that follows after the word “if.” Thereafter, the inference—a conclusion or opinion that is formed, because of known facts or evidence—follows after the word “then” (i.e., if […], then […]).
Representing each phrase of the conditional, categorical, or disjunctive statement is a letter or variable (e.g., x). Generally, syllogisms are arguments which usually propose two statements (“premises”). There’s a major and minor premise, and a resulting conclusion.
The major premise expresses a general point while a minor premise puts forth a particular argument. Based on both statements, a conclusion is the final product of the proposition. Bear in mind that simply because an argument follows logical form doesn’t mean that it is reasonable.
This is why I find utility in illustrating syllogisms when practicing REBT. Often, a person’s proposition, argument, thought, or belief which is based on logical form doesn’t necessarily result in a well-justified explanation that relates to rationality.
Admittedly, my approach to syllogistic use in REBT doesn’t delve too deeply into equivalence modes or mathematical formulations where are associated with formal logic. Rather, I merely seek to introduce people to descriptive formulas which underpin beliefs.
This is done in respect to assessing for beliefs which are irrational—those which aren’t in accordance with both logic and reason. It’s worth noting that not all irrational beliefs are self-disturbing propositions.
For instance, person X may genuinely believe that the Earth isn’t spherical. All the same, simply because other individuals disagree with person X, he doesn’t upset himself about their differing attitudes. Instead, person X merely shrugs off the difference in opinion and carries on with life.
Noteworthy, there are four major irrational beliefs and five major characteristics of these self-disturbing assumptions recognized in REBT theory:
Irrational beliefs –
1. Global evaluation – “Life isn’t worth living if I’m not accepted by other people.”
2. Low frustration tolerance – “I can’t stand not being accepted by other people.”
3. Awfulizing – “It would be awful if I weren’t accepted by other people.”
4. Demandingness – “I must be accepted by other people.”
Characteristics –
1. Rigid or extreme
2. Conducive to psychological disturbance and impaired interpersonal relationships
3. Unhelpful to you as you strive towards your goals
4. False
5. Illogical
It’s with this understanding that I advocate use of syllogistic practice when disputing irrational beliefs, as this is a core component of the ABC model that is associated with REBT. Therefore, without further ado, I present an example of the following syllogistic form:
Form (composition) –
If p, then q; and if p, then r; therefore, if p is true, then q and r are true.
Example –
Major premise: If I practice REBT, then I’ll seek to get better rather than to merely feel better.
Minor premise: If I practice REBT, then I’ll self-disturb far less than I currently do.
Conclusion: Therefore, if I practice REBT, then I’ll seek to get better rather than to merely feel better, and I’ll self-disturb far less than I currently do.
This is a logical and reasonable proposal. Still, it isn’t uncommon for people to make a logical error of the composition fallacy when using this form of argumentation. According to one source:
The fallacy of composition is an informal fallacy that arises when one infers that something is true of the whole from the fact that it is true of some part of the whole. A trivial example might be: “This tire is made of rubber; therefore, the vehicle of which it is a part is also made of rubber.”
This is fallacious, because vehicles are made with a variety of parts, most of which are not made of rubber. The fallacy of composition can apply even when a fact is true of every proper part of a greater entity, though.
A more complicated example might be: “No atoms are alive. Therefore, nothing made of atoms is alive.” This is a statement most people would consider incorrect, due to emergence, where the whole possesses properties not present in any of the parts.
As I’ve provided a logical and reasonable example of how composition can help you, I now invite you to consider how the fallacy of composition may impact your irrational belief:
Form (composition) –
If p, then q; and if p, then r; therefore, if p is true, then q and r are true.
Example –
Major premise: If REBT works for many people, then REBT must work for me.
Minor premise: If REBT works for many people, then something must be wrong with me, because I’m not getting better.
Conclusion: Therefore, if REBT works for many people, then REBT must work for me, and something must be wrong with me, because I’m not getting better.
It’s true that REBT works for many people. However, there’s no reasonable demand to be made of this psychotherapeutic modality, because it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. Besides, if you don’t routinely practice REBT, then it’s likely not going to be of much use to you anyway.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
Photo credit (edited), fair use
References:
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